6.11 SAFE USE OF ELECTRIC POWER OPERATED HOISTS
In addition to any specific instructions relating to the safe use of the hoist issued by the manufacturer, the following points should be observed:
Electric power operated hoists must not be used to raise, lower or suspend a load greater than the marked SWL.
Ensure that the load is directly under the hoist. The line of pull should always be vertical, never side lift or drag a load.
Do not use the load chain or wire rope to form a sling, i.e. it must not be wrapped around the load and back hooked, snickled or choke hitched.
The bottom hook should be attached to the load such that no part of the load is in contact with the point of the hook. The sling should be located in the seat of the hook and the safety catch closed.
The bottom hook should not be crowded with terminal fittings of slings. To prevent the hook becoming overcrowded, LEEA recommends that the upper ends of the sling legs are connected by means of a shackle or link of adequate strength.
Care should be taken to ensure that the hoist is not subjected to shock loading. When using hoists with dual speed, commence the lift in slow speed before progressing to full speed.
It should be borne in mind that the majority of hoists are fitted with some form of overload device designed to protect the hoist. This may be mechanical, electrical or thermo-electrical. Should the hoist fail to lift the load, it is probable that the load exceeds the SWL and should be checked before resetting the controls.
Never change motions (i.e. lift to lower or vice versa) without first allowing the motor to stop running. Quick reversal of direction causes shock loading and heavy current surges. This will result in burnt contacts, and imposes unnecessary strain on transmission shafts and gears.
Avoid unnecessary rapid and frequent incremental movements as this causes burning and pitting of contacts. Excessive rapid and frequent incremental movements could result in burning out of the motor.
Loads should not be left suspended from hoists for any length of time unless absolutely essential and a safe system or work and/or additional safety measures are provided to reduce the risk to an acceptable minimum. Where it is as a result of a breakdown, the operative should ensure that the danger area is cordoned off to prevent personnel from being at risk in the event of a descending load.
At no time should the operative permit either himself or other personnel to be beneath or on a suspended load.
In the case of hoists with push travel trolleys, never attempt to move the hoist by pulling on the pendant cable control. Always pull on the bottom hook of unladen hoists. If a suspended load is to be moved, wherever possible push rather than pull the load. Care must also be taken to ensure the load is not allowed to swing as this may endanger the operative and result in increased loadings on the hoist and its supporting structure.
In the case of hoists with power travel trolleys, care must be taken to prevent the load swinging unduly. If the trolley has dual speed traverse, always start in the slow speed before proceeding to full speed.
Avoid running trolleys into runway end stops as this will cause the load to swing unsafely, put shock loading on the hoist and its supporting runway and structure. End stops are a final safety device only.
Avoid excessive or intentional use of motion limit devices, they are a safety feature intended to protect the hoist. Where the operation requires regular approach to the highest and lowest possible hook positions, a positional or working limit should be fitted for this purpose.
No person other than a Competent Person or someone under the supervision of a Competent Person should attempt to dismantle the hoist or replace the load chain or wire rope.
Never remove guards or protective covers such as weatherproof covers or heat shields without the authority of a Competent Person.
Ensure the travel path is clear and free from obstructions before operating the hoist. This is especially important in the case of unladen hooks or remote control units. The operative must always have a clear vision of the travelling hook path to ensure accidental hook engagement or collisions do not occur.
Ensure the operative and other personnel are fully protected from hazardous materials which may form part of the load.
Before continuing with a lifting operation, the load should be raised just clear and the lift halted to ensure the integrity of the hoist and method of slinging which must sustain the load in any position. Only if the load is stable and balanced should the lift proceed. (See 1.A3 APPENDIX 3 - LOAD SECURITY - BALANCE AND STABILITY)